Lump on Guinea Pig Ruptured

[IsabellaJames]

Hi everyone.

I just adopted a Guinea pig from a pet store where he was not taken care of very well. I got him five days ago and noticed two lumps on his body; one on his neck and one on the side of his face. I called everywhere I could to get a vet appointment but all of the vets in my area don’t see Guinea pigs. I was able to get an appointment but it’s not until next Friday the 18.

This morning, I noticed some green stuff caked in my piggy’s fur. Upon closer inspection, I found that the lump had burst and the contents of it were in his fur and the area was bloody. I tried to clean it out but now I don’t know what to do. Does anybody have any advice? I tried calling a bunch of vets around my area but no one could get him in. I am very worried and can tell he is in distress. What do I do?!

 

[Claire W]

I am very sorry that the lump has burst. It could be an abscess or a cyst. The main worry with a burst lump is infection so you must keep it clean. You can either buy saline solution from a pharmacy or make your own by mixing 1/2 pint of cooled boiled water from the kettle with a teaspoon of salt.

Keep trying to get hold of a vet as if he’s in distress, he could be in some pain and would benefit from a pain medication and maybe an antibiotic to prevent infection

You may find the following link helpful until you get to the vets. There’s a section on open wounds in there Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[VickiA]

I can only echo what @Claire W has said above - it could be a burst cyst or a burst abscess. I will tag @furryfriends (TEAS) as she is very experienced with abscesses. In the U.K. this would warrant a same day appointment as antibiotics may be needed. Do none of the vets in your area offer same day emergency care?